Lions Senior Coach Michael Voss will face his ultimate fear by jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet this Sunday.

Voss has signed up to take part in Mater’s ‘jump for cancer’ and will be one of many brave fundraisers set to skydive at Redcliffe with the goal of raising $100,000 for prostate cancer research.

Voss has long been a supporter of the cause, and encourages all Lions supporters to ‘jump’ on board and face their fear.

“I’m a little nervous about the skydive, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Voss said.

“Most importantly, it’s for a terrific cause.”

“I’m looking forward to helping other people face their fear of heights and raise awareness for prostate cancer, and I hope everyone will support the Mater in the great work that they do.”

Mater is also giving YOU the opportunity to skydive alongside Voss!

Six people who register and raise funds will be able to jump with the Lions’ Senior Coach from the same plane this Sunday 7 April 2013.

Other fundraisers will be able to jump on the same day and meet the Lions coach – and if needed, get a pep talk on bravery.

Mater Foundation Executive Director Nigel Harris is grateful for the support of the Brisbane Lions in aiming to promote awareness of prostate cancer as well as raise funds for research.

“Vossy is a great inspiration to encourage the community to jump for cancer…if he can skydive out of a plane, anyone can,” Mr Harris said.

“We’re hoping people will want to jump alongside Voss to help the scientists at MMRI continue their vital prostate cancer research by facing one of Australia’s most common fears – heights – and jump for cancer.”

“You’ll have an incredible experience while helping scientists at MMRI continue the fight against prostate cancer.”

Prostate cancer is a devastating disease that affects many families. Current screening methods can be inaccurate and treatment is invasive. Research is the key to improved diagnosis methods and enhanced treatment.

Mater researchers at Mater Medical Research Institute (MMRI) have been studying how a man’s own immune system can be stimulated to fight prostate cancer. They want to understand the molecular events underpinning prostate cancer—how it starts and spreads around the body. This includes the cancer spreading to the bones which is one of the most common areas for cancer to spread and currently bone cancer is incurable.

One team of MMRI scientists are working to identify what genes and proteins predispose men to developing prostate cancer with the goal of informing future generations of men, early in life, about their risks. Another team are exploring how prostate cancer cells protect themselves in response to treatments with the view to developing strategies to sensitise cancers to therapy.

There are ten sites to choose from across Queensland, NSW and WA. Registration fee is $100 (non-refundable) with a fundraising target of $1,700 (includes skydive package of footage).

Talking about prostate cancer saves lives. If you are male and aged over 40, Face Your Fear and talk to your GP about regular checks. Like most cancers, prostate cancer is more likely to be successfully treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages.

For more information about the “Jump for Cancer”, or to register to jump with Vossy visit www.talkingpc.org.au or if skydiving isn't your thing, you can donate to Vossy's jump at www.everydayhero.com.au/michael_voss

Mater Foundation links community and philanthropic support to Mater Health Services and Mater Medical Research Institute.